The only two business groups that have always mattered are the Tatas and the Birlas
B&E: But isn’t even a 30% stake enough to retain management control?
BK: Not necessarily. Before I die, I want to ensure that our group companies are completely insulated from any takeover attempt by anyone. Yes, I think that will be my last business or corporate challenge.
B&E: Who do you see as the inheritor of the Birla legacy?
BK: Without any doubt it is Kumaramangalam. He has already proven himself and excelled in everything he does. But what I admire the most in Kumaramangalam is his sense of integrity and ethics. You see, so many businesses have flourished in India over the decades. But to me, the only two business groups that have always mattered are the Tatas and the Birlas. Both had and have a vision for India. The only difference between us is that the Tatas have traditionally owned less equity in their companies while the Birlas have always preferred to own a majority.
B&E: You must be aware that Ratan Tata has been increasing the stake of the group in most companies that come under the Tata banner?
BK: Yes, yes. I don’t recall the details but he is doing a good thing.
B&E: Ratan Tata has been mired in controversy over the Nano car project in Singur. Don’t you think it has badly affected the image of the group?
BK: No No. The Birlas and the Tatas are different; such things cannot affect our long tradition. Controversies happen. And Bengal has been particularly bad for business.
B&E: But isn’t even a 30% stake enough to retain management control?
BK: Not necessarily. Before I die, I want to ensure that our group companies are completely insulated from any takeover attempt by anyone. Yes, I think that will be my last business or corporate challenge.
B&E: Who do you see as the inheritor of the Birla legacy?
BK: Without any doubt it is Kumaramangalam. He has already proven himself and excelled in everything he does. But what I admire the most in Kumaramangalam is his sense of integrity and ethics. You see, so many businesses have flourished in India over the decades. But to me, the only two business groups that have always mattered are the Tatas and the Birlas. Both had and have a vision for India. The only difference between us is that the Tatas have traditionally owned less equity in their companies while the Birlas have always preferred to own a majority.
B&E: You must be aware that Ratan Tata has been increasing the stake of the group in most companies that come under the Tata banner?
BK: Yes, yes. I don’t recall the details but he is doing a good thing.
B&E: Ratan Tata has been mired in controversy over the Nano car project in Singur. Don’t you think it has badly affected the image of the group?
BK: No No. The Birlas and the Tatas are different; such things cannot affect our long tradition. Controversies happen. And Bengal has been particularly bad for business.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)
